Members of the Lions Club of Jones County gathered last week to say thank you to the public servants who keep the community safe.

The annual recognition of the officers of the year took place in the club’s meeting room Dec. 13 and was officiated by program chairman Dr. Berry Moore.

The awards were presented following a meal catered by Chevy’s Café and a program of Christmas music sang by Kim Grieves.

The Deputy of the Year representing the Jones County Sheriff’s Department was Sgt. Grover Murray, who is the assistant administrator of the jail at the Jones County Law Enforcement Center. He started with the sheriff’s office in August of 2007 and was introduced by Capt. Guy Mosteller.

The Officer of the Year representing the Gray Police Department was Lt. Eric Maynard. He has been with the department since 2004 and was introduced by Gray Police Chief Adam Lowe.

The Fire and Rescue Volunteer of the Year was Lt. Wayne Grier with Jones County Fire stations 2 and 10. He has been a member of Jones County Fire and Rescue since 2007 and was introduced by Deputy EMA Director Bill Wright.